Best-selling smartphone globally in 2025: Apple, Samsung

From Apple's premium flagships to Samsung's budget-friendly Galaxy A series, 2025's list of best smartphones has something for every user

Pareesa Afreen - Dec 22, 2025

An undated image of Apple iPhone 16 and Samsung Galaxy A16 5G. — Apple/Samsung/Canva

With the year nearing its end, global smartphone trends have become clearer, revealing how the mobile market has shifted throughout 2025. Apple and Samsung continue to dominate worldwide sales, leading the charts with some of the best smartphones of 2025 across multiple price segments.

Buyers have continued to focus on performance, camera quality, battery life, and long-term software support.

From Apple's premium flagships to Samsung's budget-friendly Galaxy A series, 2025's list of the best smartphones has something for every kind of user.

Best smartphones of 2025

Gadinsider has compiled a list of the top-selling models that shaped the global market this year.

iPhone 16

Apple's iPhone 16 leads the world in sales due to its rather harmonious balance in performance, upgraded cameras, and improved battery efficiency. This makes it one of the best iPhones from Apple for a customer who wants premium features but cannot afford the Pro price.

Key specs

Display: 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR OLED
Chipset: A18 chip
Camera: Dual 48MP system
Battery: Up to 22 hours video playback
Other: USB-C, iOS 18, Satellite messaging
Price: Rs259,999 to Rs409,999

iPhone 16 Pro

One of the top-rated smartphones in 2025, the iPhone 16 Pro features a titanium build, advanced computational photography, and the new chip called A18 Pro. It is highly ideal for power users.

Key specs

Display: 6.3-inch ProMotion OLED
Chipset: A18 Pro chip
Camera: Triple 48MP Pro-grade system
Features: Spatial video, 120Hz refresh rate
Build: Titanium frame
Price: Rs319,999 to Rs629,999

iPhone 16 Pro Max

The iPhone 16 Pro Max is the top smartphone from Apple for this year, featuring very long battery life and advanced camera features. It dominated the premium segment in 2025.

Key specs

Display: 6.9-inch ProMotion OLED
Chipset: A18 Pro chip
Camera: 48MP Quad Telephoto system
Battery: Strongest endurance in the lineup
Other: Always-On Display, advanced AI photography
Price: Rs319,999 to Rs629,999

iPhone 16e

The iPhone 16e is still a bestseller, considering how affordable it is and its generally reliable performance; it would be one of the best mobiles to purchase on a budget for any iPhone user.

Key specs

Display: 6.1-inch LCD
Chipset: A17 chip
Camera: 48MP main camera
Other: USB-C, iOS 18, long software support
Price: Rs229,999 to Rs329,999

Samsung Galaxy A16 5G

The Galaxy A16 5G from Samsung should offer buyers the best-value phone for 2025, featuring reliable performance and great connectivity with very good battery life.

Key specs

Display: 6.5-inch FHD+ 90Hz
Chipset: Exynos 1330
Camera: 50MP triple setup
Battery: 5,000mAh
Connectivity: 5G support
Price: ₨61,999

Samsung Galaxy A06

Galaxy A06 was among the bestsellers due to its ultra-budget price paired with dependable performance; it was a top choice among the bestselling smartphones of 2025 in emerging markets.

Key specs

Display: 6.7-inch HD+
Camera: 50MP main
Chipset: MediaTek Helio G35 (expected)
Battery: 5,000mAh
Price: Rs31,999

Samsung Galaxy A36

The Galaxy A36 is a popular mid-range device with stunning premium looks and solid specifications, making it one of the best smartphones to purchase in 2025 while on a budget.

Key specs

Display: 6.6-inch 120Hz AMOLED
Camera: 50MP OIS main camera
Chipset: Snapdragon 7 Gen 1
Battery: 5,000mAh with fast charging
Price: Rs119,999

Samsung Galaxy A56

The Galaxy A56 was a strong mid-range performer that attracted buyers with improved cameras, an AMOLED display, and excellent day-long battery life.

Key specs

Display: 6.7-inch FHD+ AMOLED 120Hz
Camera: 50MP OIS camera
Chipset: Exynos 1480
Battery: 5,000mAh
Other: Improved low-light photography
Price: Rs137,999.00 to Rs150,999

Samsung Galaxy A16 4G

For users not requiring 5G, the Galaxy A16 4G offers an entry point at an affordable cost and remains one of the best smartphones of 2025 for everyday use.

Key specs

Display: 6.5-inch FHD+
Camera: 50MP dual camera
Chipset: MediaTek Helio G88
Battery: 5,000mAh
Price: Rs54,999.00

iPhone 17 Pro Max

Even prior to its full global rollout, the iPhone 17 Pro Max managed to rank the sales due to strong demand. Already known as one of the best smartphones of 2025, it houses a next-gen camera and powerful AI features.

Key specs